Breaking news

Katter's Australian Party state chief urges merger with Palmer United Party, despite leaders' rejection

Updated
Thu 1 May 2014, 7:37 AM AEST

Photo

Both Clive Palmer (left) and Bob Katter say they are not interested in a merger or coalition.

AAP: Dave Hunt - file photo

A proposed alliance between the Palmer United Party and Katter's Australian Party must occur in Queensland, despite both parties having rejected a union, says the head of the Katter party's state branch.

Bob Katter and Clive Palmer have said they are not interested in a merger or coalition, though both have indicated that they are open to working with other parties.

Ray Hopper, the Queensland leader of Katter's Australian Party, says the two leaders must support a partnership in Queensland as the state's Liberal National Party (LNP) Government continues to "self-destruct".

"They've both got to wake up to themselves and realise that this has got to happen for the sake of Queensland - it's as simple as that," he said.

He added: "The timing is perfect - the Newman Government is self-destructing and there is definitely room for a third political force in Queensland."

Mr Katter say he has not proposed a coalition.

"I was asked by a reporter - would a closer working relationship with other parties work like the old coalition in Queensland?" he said.

"I said the old coalition in Queensland worked very well, but no, we've never proposed alliances, mergers coalitions or anything of that nature."

Mr Palmer also said today that an alliance would not be happening.

"Under no circumstances will we ever be merging with the Katter party, because we believe different things," he said.

"We want people to have a clear message that the way forward is to be members of our party - the Palmer United Party - and that's what Australians need to understand.

"We've got to work together in a single unit to make change in this society.

"The Katter party is over there to the right - we are there in the middle.

"Sometimes we may vote together in parliament because we are all against the current Premier, Campbell Newman.

"It is just a beat-up and we won't be merging with the Katter party that's for sure."

However, Mr Katter has indicated he wants his state MPs to work with the Palmer team.

"Anyone that hasn't thought about going into the election presenting a unified front to the people would have to be a bloody fool in my opinion," Mr Katter said.